After defining trade advisory committees as groups of individuals who have been selected because of their special knowledge and expertise to give advice on education programs, this report identifies the functions of the advisory committee in the areas of educational objectives, instructional content, program evaluation, review of equipment and facilities, government and private funding sources, staffing, trend forecasting, and community-school relations. The next section of the report describes the structure of advisory committees designed for implementation at Williamsport Area Community College. It provides suggestions on naming the group, determining its size and membership, organizing large committees and subgroups, determining length of appointment, and chairperson selection. Further guidelines are presented for scheduling meetings, providing advance notice of meetings, insuring regular attendance, calling meetings, establishing quorum, and covering expenditures. Finally, several issues related to planning are covered. First, the importance of maintaining a cross-section of the industry in the committee is underscored, especially in terms of sex, race, age, residence, and background. Second, ways in which an institution can recognize the participation and achievements of the group are listed, and third, a number of topics for discussion are suggested. (JP)